Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is front and center in the media lately due to the Golden Globe nominated film Selma. The film covers the push for voting rights by activists in Selma, Alabama and the three-month period leading up to the infamous Bloody Sunday march in 1965.

Selma steps away from the myth of Dr. King and humanizes him in a way we’ve never seen before. The film not only depicts Dr. King as the powerful speaker and organizer, but also illustrates his vulnerability, fears and imperfections.

This powerful film is a must-see, not only because it gives viewers a deeper look into what motivated Dr. King, but also because it sheds some much-needed light on other important people in the movement like Diane Nash, Rev. C.T. Vivian, Rev. Hosea Williams, Andrew Young, Ralph Abernathy, Amelia Boynton, and more.

A group of African-American businesspeople have come together to donate tickets for 7th, 8th, and 9th grades across the country to see the film for free, but due to some violent scenes Selma may not be suitable for younger children. Still, everyone (especially our Brown Boy Geniuses) should know about Dr. King’s life and achievements.

So, here are 5 must-read children’s books about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport

Martin’s Big Words

Martin’s Big Words is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that tells the story of Dr. King’s life. Doreen Rappaport mixes Dr. King’s iconic words with the compelling story of his life. Hailed as the Best Illustrated Children’s Book by the New York Times in 2001, Martin’s Big Words is a wonderful book for any child.

Get it on Amazon here.

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader

Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr. is a part of the popular Who Was series, which teaches kids about historical figures. In this book, kids learn basic, but interesting, tidbits about Dr. King, like the fact he was only 25 when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott. How cool is THAT?

Get it on Amazon here.

I Have A Dream illustrated by Kadir Nelson

I Have A Dream uses Dr. King’s own moving words from the 1963 March on Washington as the text for this magnificently drawn book, which features beautiful portraits of Dr. King, marchers, and some of the Washington D.C. monuments. I Have A Dream is a wonderful book to add to your collection and read year after year.

Get it on Amazon here.

Do you have a favorite children’s book about Dr. King? Leave the name of the book in the comments section below!